The Unity Christian Crusaders and Spring Lake Lakers battled on Friday night as two of four unbeatens in the OK Blue. After four quarters, the ‘Saders remain unbeaten, capturing a 54-21 victory.
Spring Lake got on the scoreboard first, as Jackson Core kept the football and rumbled into the end zone on a 10-yard gain. Carter Ball booted an extra point to push the Lakers ahead by 7. Unity Christian responded with a 21-yard touchdown run by Drew Chandler. Cam Chandler gave the ‘Saders the lead with a conversion run.
The Lakers took the lead back to end the quarter, as Alex Lee carried the football three yards across the goal line. This gave Spring Lake a 14-8 advantage.
As the second quarter began, Unity Christian regained the lead. First, Micah Bush reeled off a 56-yard touchdown run. On their next drive, Abe Rappuhn bolted through the defense for a 52-yard score. On both scores, Drew Chandler converted the two-point attempt with short runs.
Unity Christian extended their halftime lead to twenty points when they recorded a safety and scored another touchdown. Their final score of the half was a 1-yard plunge by Cam Chandler.
Two minutes into the second half, Unity resumed their scoring. Drew Chandler rumbled into the end zone from 12 yards out. On their ensuing possession, Ethan VanOtterloo extended the ‘Saders lead with his 2-yard plunge into the end zone. Before the quarter ended, Cam Chandler found Carter Bylsma on an 11-yard pass, giving Unity a 54-14 advantage.
With just four minutes to play, Spring Lake found the end zone. Alex Lee returned to the end zone, powering across the goal line from a yard out. This would be the final scoring play of the game.
Unity Christian, now 6-0, is primed for their biggest game to date next week. The ‘Saders will take on 6-0 West Catholic in a battle for the OK Blue lead. Spring Lake, 5-1, will take on Coopersville, who also suffered their first defeat this week.
